, 1887-09-08
The New Metlakatlah.

From gentleman who arrived on
the Ancon last week at Sitka, were
obtained some interesting points
about the trip, in addition to which
the visitorlmentioned being present
at a ceremony at Port Chester, An
nette Island, whore much traaspired
that is worthy of the attention OF ev-
cry American citizen.
Among the passengers on the
steamer was Mr.. VIM. Duncan, the
famous English missionary, who for
thirty years has been in charge of the
mission at Metlakahtla, B. c., where
he had established town and gath
gathered together 1900 Indians, all of
whom have become civilized, and
converted from the customs of their
savage condition to well behaved and
industrious citizens. The children
have all been educated. or have had
the advantages of schools and relig-
ious teachings, while a large mum
Der of the adults have had the bene-
fits oil the same training. Many of
them are educated and very intelli-
gent On account Of some differenc :
es which have arisen between Mr..
Duncan, and the provincial govern
ment as to the title of the land upon
which these Indians have built their
village, MIR. Duncan has determined
to remove them to Alaska, and to
place them under the protection OF
the American government. He has
already taken out his naturalization
papers and has visited Washington
and other parts of the United States
in the interest of the people under
his charge.
Mr.. Duncan landed at Pert Ches-
ter, on Annette Island, at the point
selected by him as the new settlement
for the Indians. He was met upon
the beach by number of these peo-
pie who had previously come over in
their canoes and had before his ar.
rival put up several cabins, large
store and shed. They had brought
with them on of their school bells
which had been hung to the limb of
giant hemlock on the shere. At
tended by number of passengers
Mr. Duncan landed on the beautiful
shelving beach and met with a cor
dial welcome from his people who had
not seen him for eight months. The
meeting between this good man and
his followers was exceedingly touch
ing and impressive; old men and wo-
men, young girls and boys, all gath
cred around him and expressed with
tears their intense Joy at his coming.
MIR. Duncan had with him q beauti-
full United States flag, which had
been presented to him at Indepen-
dence Hall, Philadelphia. This was
Immediately raised upon an impro-
vised flagstaff and passengers all
gathered under its folds.
Mr.. Duncan then addressed the
Meetlakahtlans in their native LAM
guage, and introduced Hon. N. 81. r.
Dawson, United States Commissioners
of Education, who, at his request, de.
ivered an address of welcome, con
graduating them upon their advent
to American soil and assuring them
that they would have the protection
and sympathy of the Government in
their homes, and that although the
general land laws OF the United States
are not now in force in the Territory,
that they would not be disturbed in
the use and possession of any lands
upon which they might settle and
build houses. But when those laws
are extended over Alaska, they would
doubtless be allowed to enter and
purchase these lands, and hold poses
sion il preference to all others. In
the meantime they would have the
same advantages of education open
to them which are now extended 10
all the inhabitants of the Territory.
Although most of the Metlakaht-
lans speak English, Mr.. Duncan
thought it best, in order that they
might understand their new relations
and surroundings, to interpret MIR.
Dawson's remarks. Efforts had been
make TO impress them with the idea
that the American Government was
unfriendly to them and would show
them no favors. This impression MIR.
Dawson successfully dispelled in his
address which was received with
great satisfaction by the audience
and evoked burst of enthusiasm.
One of their principal or select men
replied in short but elegant spesch,
the thanks of himself AID
people for the kindness which had
been manifested toward M. Duncan
during his visit east, and the salts
faction which was felt among the
tribe at the assurance of protection
and friendship the Commissioner
gave them on the part of the govern
ment OF the United States.
The Indians ehanted a beautiful